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Through our Information Department, Autism New Jersey offers referral lists for autism service professionals in many different categories. Click on the "Resources" links above for information on professionals in a variety of different service areas sorted by county.
Autism New Jersey Referral List Policy: The individuals listed on our website have been recommended by other parents and have agreed to be on Autism New Jersey, Inc.'s referral lists. Please contact their offices to inquire about specific information such as insurance, Medicaid, etc. The description of services is listed exactly as submitted by professionals or as found in their literature.
Disclaimer: Autism New Jersey maintains these referral lists as a service to families. We do not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. We urge you to make independent judgment when selecting a professional to assist you.
To recommend a professional, download our Referral List Form
For further assistance, contact our Helpline, tollfree, at 1-800-4-AUTISM, Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm, or e-mail information@autismnj.org.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is not only a concern for those living in areas with a high risk of natural disasters. Families living in any community need to prepare for the unexpected. Educating yourself on what to do before, during and after an emergency can help to ensure the safety of your family, neighbors and loved ones. Families affected by autism have unique needs on a daily basis, and this is no different in times of emergency.
Click here to view an Emergency Preparedness PowerPoint Presentation tailored to families with individuals with autism.
Supporting Individuals with ASDS during Evacuation and Emergency Response Efforts
Linda Meyer, Ed.D., MPA, BCBA-D, CPT
As the temperature plummets today and it is actually feels like winter, we are sharing this vital emergency preparedness information. Through 36 years of supporting individuals with autism, I have learned to always 1) expect the unexpected, 2) be prepared, and 3) realistically assess your own ability and the ability of others to respond to emergency situations.
Blizzards. Power outages. Transportation snafus. Snow on Halloween?! Floods.
What does it mean to be prepared? Read further. But first, think about your own situation. Was there a time recently that your family member or learner with autism had to spend extended time away from home and typical routines? Think back. What could you have done differently, what might you have had on hand, to get through the experience more comfortably?
Gather and codify some emergency contact information. Be sure to have at your fingertips at all times the contact information for your family member’s or learner’s pharmacy, MD, neighbors, extended family members, and your local municipal building. Get copies of prescriptions. Label clothing (include name and family contact #). Take photos of your family member with autism and all family members. Always charge your cell phone battery. Have a supply of preferred food and drinks. Make a community bag.
So why the community bag? A community bag can accompany your family member or learner into the community everyday. It is particularly useful during transition times and when expected delays and changes of schedules occur. Be sure the bag and its contents are age appropriate. Include index cards, puzzles/games, snacks, sticky notes (to use as tokens, make schedules and communication boards) pens, powerful reinforcers, and behavior support plans.
Be sure to review your child’s or learner’s Individualized Educational Program and include critical functional life skills. Skills like Waits Appropriately, Asks for Assistance, Makes Requests and Makes Choices, Denies Inappropriate Requests from Others could be helpful. The ability to follow a schedule and be understood by novel listeners are especially important.
Due to the daily demands of coping with autism, we concentrate on getting through today.
Take some time and do some long term planning now.
Resources:
(Krantz & McClannahan, 2010) Activity Schedules for Children with Autism,
AutismCares
autismcares@autismspeaks.org
888.AUTISM2 (288.4762)
Arrange now for specialty assistance teams shelter, food, and counseling support
Red Cross
803.898.4415
Ask about the availability and location of shelters for individuals with autism.
Educate Emergency Service Personnel about autism
Call 800.4.AUTISM for training resources
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